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Does the product key depend on the iso that came with Windows usb 3.0 flash drive?

Anonymous
2020-10-01T15:47:18+00:00

Hi, I recently bought a retail version of Windows 10 Home that comes with product key and a usb 3.0 pendrive.

Unfortunately, the version of windows that came with the flash drive is very old (of year 2016).

My question is that, what if I format that Windows pendrive and burn the latest windows 10 home version (ver 2004 iso) on that pendrive?

**Will my product key (written on a card that came with the retail box) STILL BE VALID?**

All I meant to say is that is the product key only for that specific 2016 year build that came with pendrive? 

OR ***WILL THAT SAME KEY WORK AFTER I INSTALL THE LATEST VERSION?***

(Note: I'm talking about Windows 10 Home only).

Please provide me a detailed info as it costed me money and I don't want to lose my license.

Thank you. Have a good day :) .

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Licensing and activation

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  1. DaveM121 868K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2020-10-01T16:23:44+00:00

    Hi Debojyoti

    If that is an official USB from Microsoft, you will not be able to wipe that drive, they have special protection on those drives that cannot be removed, you would need another blank USB (8GB) to create new installation media on it . . .

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  1. DaveM121 868K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2020-10-01T16:07:54+00:00

    HI Debojyoti, yes that is correct, the Product Key will work with the updated installation USB . . .

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  1. Brink 16,560 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2020-10-01T15:52:26+00:00

    Hello Debojyoti, 

    No worries. It doesn't matter how old the Windows 10 version is. The product key will still activate it. The product key is what determines which edition of Windows 10 gets installed.

    It does make it easier to use the latest Windows 10 version to create the Windows 10 installation USB using option 1 below though so you do not have to update to the latest version via Windows Update afterwards.

    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2376-create-bootable-usb-flash-drive-install-windows-10-a.html#option1

    If needed, the tutorial below can help show you how to clean install Windows 10 with the USB.

    https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/1950-clean-install-windows-10-a.html

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  1. DaveM121 868K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2020-10-01T15:49:56+00:00

    Hi Debojyoti

    I am Dave, an Independent Advisor, I will help you with this . . .

    Rest assured Windows 10 Product Keys are not version specific, you can create a new USB and your product key will work with that

    The only thing you need to do is make sure you install the correct edition (Home, Pro . . etc.) that the product key is for . . .

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  1. Anonymous
    2020-10-01T16:16:38+00:00

    Sad news, I found the drive is write protected.

    Do you know how to remove that?

    Thanks

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